Author:
Matthew Keys
Matthew Keys is the award-winning founder and editor of TheDesk.net, an authoritative voice on broadcast and streaming TV, media and tech. With over ten years of experience, he's a recognized expert in broadcast, streaming, and digital media, with work featured in publications such as StreamTV Insider and Digital Content Next, and past roles at Thomson Reuters and Disney-ABC Television Group.
Walmart acquires Vibe.co amid stronger push into connected TV advertising
The acquisition is primarily aimed at strengthening Walmart Connect's commerce media and connected TV advertising capabilities; financial terms were not disclosed.
FCC Media Bureau dismisses challenge to news distortion policy
The original petition said the FCC should not penalize licensed broadcasters under news distortion policies for otherwise engaging in constitutionally-protected speech.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Comcast suffers widespread Internet, TV outage across country
The issue is affecting subscribers in a number of areas, including San Francisco, Sacramento, Philadelphia, Boston and Detroit; no official word on the cause.
ITN expands local TV programmatic platform with Comscore audience data integration
ITN says the move is part of a broader effort to modernize local television advertising through automation and programmatic workflows.
Stingray launches pop-up activations in Toronto, Vancouver tied to World Cup
Stingray is serving as BMO’s primary technology partner, overseeing software development, engineering, deployment and technical support.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Disney’s ABC takes FCC fight to viewers
In public service announcements, Disney encouraged viewers to file comments with the FCC over its program "The View" and broadcast licenses.
After farewell goes viral, KWQC’s Dustin Nolan says he didn’t quit on-air
Nolan said his departure from a Gray Media-owned station was being spun to fit different narratives about local news.
FACT CHECK
Hub: TV ad acceptance reaches five-year high as streaming costs rise
Fewer viewers are willing to pay extra to avoid ads, while only one in ten now say they cannot tolerate advertising, the study found.
DATA
ESPN: Linda Cohn, longest-serving “SportsCenter” anchor, to retire
Cohn will make her final appearances on “SportsCenter” on June 26; her official retirement date is June 30.
Fox News hires Natalie Chuck from E. W. Scripps Denver outlet
The Fox News Channel has hired investigative journalist Natalie Chuck as a correspondent based in Los Angeles, expanding the network’s reporting team on the West Coast.
WPP Media launches initiative to develop AI standards for TV and video advertising
WPP is working with major media companies on the initiative, including Comcast Advertising, Disney, Fox, NBCUniversal, Netflix and Paramount.
Samba acquires Bestever AI to accelerate autonomous advertising tools
The acquisition adds Bestever’s generative AI capabilities for campaign planning, creative development and competitive analysis.